Can't comment on the BMC, but the Propel rides quite well. I'd classify it as "highly acceptable." It's stiff in the right directions. Not overly uncomfortable. If you want aero, it's one of the best options. The only aero bikes that ride better are the Foil (if you like stiff) and the Madone. The Propel tests significantly faster in the tunnel than both. Again, it's all about what you value. (and just because you dislike something that is valued by others doesn't make them wrong, by the way.)

The major problem with it is the brakes. They are dumb, no doubt about it. Workable, but dumb. Too bad we can't buy the custom-machined version that Belkin was riding. Someone could make some, I suppose; it's a very simple design.

The Giant Propel frame/fork/topper/brakes comes in at 1894, although he only looks to be weighing one set of brake calipers, so probably add another 150, so close to 2050 grams. About a 200 gram weight diff from the noah.

Not to say that 200 grams is nothing, but I wouldn't call it an anchor. And that's comparing to one of the top new aero frames (propel) that claims to push the aero frame weight barrier...

Compared to the Propel, it is 1lb heavier the Noah. These are of course Giant numbers. As that thread shows, the weights are all published as lower than actual. Propel is more likely in the Scott Foil range total. But still 1/2 lb lighter. I think Greipel's total bike weight is just over 16lbs.

The S5 has way lower drag than the Ridley even in a competitor's test. The S2/S3 will solve the stiffness deficit, so things are looking up for Cervelo. I really wonder now what a new S5 would be like, considering Cervelo has had the new S3 design for several years now.

After back to back rides on both bikes, I purchased a BMC TMR01 which I am now building up. . .

The Giant was much less compliant to me (sharp impacts felt acutely) wheras the BMC transmitted the bumps, but they were strangely muted.

The BMC was also a much slower handling bike, which I liked a great deal, as I've never had a problem with a modern race bike being responsive enough, but when I am tired a twitchy bike annoys me (e.g. sitting up hands off bars to stretch my back should be comfortable, not requiring a bunch of attention).

As I was cutting the seatpost on the BMC I noted that the BMC seatpost is foam filled (for the Di2 battery), but I wonder if that's one reason why bumps feel muted.

I have also noted that after reading carefully through a number of reviews with the giant, the bars may account for up 5-14 watts of drag reduction depending on who you listen to and what they are compared to.

I didn't comment on your original post not having any Propel experience, but I do have a TMR01 and love it. I've used it from fast team rides to a century and it is great all around. I did just switch the group set from Red to 6870. It was a bear fishing mech der housing through that frame. Plus, the TMR just looks hotter than the Propel, IMHO.

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